Southern Texas is home to both national and state parks throughout the region. You can head east towards Corpus Christi and get a beach and island experience or travel west to more deserted and mountainous areas. No matter what you choose, throw a tent in your car and relax under the stars for as little as $8 per night.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is about eight hours west of San Antonio. The park has mountains, deserts and rivers perfect for hiking excursions. Big Bend is a large park, so make sure to have your schedule planned out before venturing onto a trail to ensure you see all that you want to see. The park offers both easy and difficult hiking routes. The difficult ones may require some steep climbing. Other activities in the park include rock climbing and floating down the Rio Grande, which can last a half day or a week, depending on your course. Backcountry camping is available as long as the group of people is less than 15. As of 2010, Camping permits cost $10 and can be reserved for up to 14 days.
Mustang Island State Park
Mustang Island State Park is near to Corpus Christi. The park is almost 4,000 acres with five miles of beaches. Relax and get a tan or wade in the Gulf of Mexico waters. You can also go running, hiking or mountain biking on the sandy beaches. There are many sand dunes on the island, and you will likely run into some rodents like squirrels and gophers, which populate the island. Camp-sites are given on a first-come, first-served basis. The primitive camp sites are $8 per night. Drinking water, cold showers and toilets are available nearby. Campsites with electric and water hook-ups cost $16 per night. Prices are current as of 2010.
Goliad State Park and Historic Site
Goliad State Park has a blend of historical sites like a replica of Mission Nuestra Senora del Espíritu Santo de Zuniga and ecological features. This park offers opportunities to learn more about its history with guided tours that are offered daily. You can also hike and see the surrounding ranches and oil wells, swim in a junior Olympic-sized pool and go boating. As of 2010, camp sites with water cost $8 per night. Sites with electricity and water cost $15 per night, and sites with electricity, water and sewers cost $20 per night.
Davis Mountains State Park
Fort Davis Texas is home to Davis Mountains State Park. The Davis Mountains range is the most extensive mountain range in the state. See historic sights from around Fort Davis, which was active during the Civil War, or go hiking, mountain biking and backpacking to the two scenic overlooks in the park. Primitive camp sites with water cost $8 per night in the park. Camp sites with more amenities, like electricity, sewers and cable TV hookups cost as much as $20 per night, as of 2010.
Choke Mountain State Park
Choke Mountain State Park sits on Choke Canyon Reservoir, which supplies water to Corpus Christi. The park is split into two areas: the South Shore Unit and the Calliham Unit. The South Shore Unit is only available for day-use. In the Calliham Unit you can boat, hike, view wildlife or play softball or volleyball. As of 2010, walk-in camp sites cost $12 per night and camp sites with electric and water hookups cost $20 per night.
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